Wutaishan Luohou Temple Sutra Repository: Buddhas Within a Lotus

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Ming dynasty

The sculptures are seated in the center of an elevated lotus bud whose petals are connected to ropes, that when pulled, reveal the four gilded Amitabha Buddhas seated inside. A stylized round ornament connects the structure to a hexagonal support on the ceiling. This is in allusion to a scriptural verse about “seeing Amitabha upon the blossoming of a lotus.” Upon the altar just below the lotus, there are Eighteen Arhats whose presence represent the “Eighteen Arhats crossing the river.” The Four Heavenly Kings and other figures of heavenly beings are also among the group of statues at the bottom. This group of figures is recorded as being made in 1492, but since then they have been repaired several times.